Musical Paradise MP-302 (Class D)

[mrarroyo]

I was loaned this piece of equipment which is quite a lovely unit and a jack of many trades! What makes this unit special is that it can do so much for the low MSRP of $125.

Without much preamble let me start with the following pictures, the first two are from the Musical Paradise web site.









You probably saw on the last picture a Little Pinkie PSU, yes it is driving the MP-302. This was an special Little Pinkie built by Mike a while back that outputs 24 volts and it is far superior to the 19 volt switching wallwart provided by Musical Fidelity. The additional "power" allows the speaker amp section to output 15 watts and overall tightens the sound and provides for a more cohesive presentation.

You can read more on this unit at: www.musicalparadise.ca/mp/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36&products_id=74 For now here is some information.

Features:

Full aluminum alloy body with frame construction.
Use eco friendly energy saving Class D digital technology.
Karaoke feature supports two microphones with volume, echo and delay control.
Karaoke function can be completely disabled to eliminate interference when listening to music.
Built with high grade genuine components.
Red WIMA MKP, Philips, ELNA Silmic, Panasonic and Nichicon capacitors.
Original Panasonic and Alpha volume controls.
24K gold plated RCA terminals.
Professional Mitsubishi M65831 Karaoke Processor.
Built-in TI PCM2704 USB DAC.

Specifications:

Model MP-302
Chipsets TI TPA3123D2, TI PCM2704, Mitsubishi M65831.
Technology Class-D Digital
Output Power (RMS) 10W x 2 (19V Power Supply), 15W x 2 (24V Power
Supply)
Output impedance 4 - 8 ohms Speakers; 32 - 300 ohms Headphones.
Frequency Response 15Hz - 30Khz
T.H.D <=0.02% (1Khz)
S.N.R 92db
AC Input 100-240V 50-60Hz Worldwide
Weight 1.2KG
Dimension 18.5cm x 15cm x 6.5cm (L x W x H)
Warranty 1 Year Limited

I will use the unit for the next few days and will post some impressions. For now I can say that it sounds far better than the $125 MSRP and the built in USB DAC with the Class D amp is indeed a sweet sounding unit.

So far I have used the following cans:

1. Highly modded Grado SR-80
2. Senn HD580 w/ the HD600 cable
3. AKG K1000 via the speaker outputs

[Deleted]

That looks like a nifty little unit. Maybe a bit of fun with the karaoke function!

For us Euro-folk the price pops up to $200 with postage, unless you are happy to wait "1-3 months".

So, although a different set up adding power amp and sing along, its nearest competitor would be the likes of the Aune USB DAC / headphone amp.

Do you have access to one for comparison?

It will be interesting to hear your conclusions.

[mrarroyo]

Sorry I do not have access to the Aune.

BTW, I used an speaker to 4 pin balanced adapter cable and spent some time listening via the AKG K1000. The little MP-302 did a very nice job driving them and for someone who needs a one box to do many things this would be it IMO.

[victoriaguy]

Jan 22, 2011 22:04:40 GMT @cjarchez said:

For us Euro-folk the price pops up to $200 with postage, unless you are happy to wait "1-3 months".

Canadian parcel postage rates have taken another big 'hike' this month. To send a 'minimum weight' parcel from the west coast to central Canada (7-10 day delivery) (I have family in Ontario so do this fairly often).....
2yrs ago- $8
Last year-$10
Last week - $14

'Official inflation rate" according to government? = 2% !!!!

Postage charge for a similar weight item from Shanghai to Victoria, delivered in 10 days = $8

High shipping really makes me 'think twice' about buying/selling items where shipping is involved.

I've dealt with MusicalParadise only once - MP-301 tube amp- and customer service was good.

John

[PinkFloyd]

Miguel..... that unit is a "Musical Paradise".... not a "Musical Fidelity" You are using my 24VDC regulated / linear Pinkie to power it?

[mrarroyo]

Yes I am! the Little Pinkie 24 VDC does a wonderful job bringing out a more cohesive and detailed presentation. Would you like to listen to this unit? Then you can send it out for others to hear it. I would ship it with the original switching psu. Cheers.

[Deleted]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a Class D amp? Aren't they usually attached to audio visual? (for some reason) I seem to remember seeing class D's with TV's. Also quite lowish output - is that because of class D?

I've asked the company for a price delivered abroad. (Taking import tax and postage into account)

It seems good value although I'm not fussed about a karaoke input except when I've had a few!!

[xerxes]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a Class D amp? Aren't they usually attached to audio visual? (for some reason) I seem to remember seeing class D's with TV's. Also quite lowish output - is that because of class D

Class D is very efficient, it works in a similar way to a switch mode power supply: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_D_Amplifier

They can be made very powerfull, yet very compact. I have a pair of Hypex Class D amps, 350W into 8ohm, 700 into 4 and the actual amp boards are only 80x130mm. See here: www.hypex.nl/

[Deleted]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a Class D amp? Aren't they usually attached to audio visual?

Hi Ian
The main reason is a word that was given to me many times in my various Telstra training courses as to why something was used.
ECONOMY.
They are cheap and easy to implement because they use switching, not linear operation, which means the output needs filtering to remove digital artifacts.(simplified) They normally need a lot of work to get them near Audiophile standards.
Alex

[Deleted]

Thanks Alex. I guess that was why I was puzzled about it because I have seem Class D in operation on TV's and basically audio visual applications. (Basically where picture and movement are dominant rather than sound on its own)

It's all rather confusing with these 'classes' that we use for amps and which is best in which application.

The 'Class A' amps seem a bit superior to me and it's always useful to know what kinds of things they can normally be found in. (ie what they're best at!!)

These things are shipped from China so costs are kept down that way too!!

[xerxes]

I don't think you can generalise and say that a particular amp class has a particular sound quality. I'm sure you could build a truly atrocious sounding amp using any of the configurations, or a very nice sounding one.

Given their compact dimensions, efficient power usage and very low heat output, class D would make a lot of sense for putting in a small box with other stuff and perhaps for portable/battery powered audio.

Regardless, I'm absolutely chuffed with the Hypex class D amps I put together, they sound much better than the class A amps I've previously owned.

[Deleted]

Jan 26, 2011 6:28:59 GMT xerxes said:

I don't think you can generalise and say that a particular amp class has a particular sound quality. I'm sure you could build a truly atrocious sounding amp using any of the configurations, or a very nice sounding one.

Given their compact dimensions, efficient power usage and very low heat output, class D would make a lot of sense for putting in a small box with other stuff and perhaps for portable/battery powered audio.

Regardless, I'm absolutely chuffed with the Hypex class D amps I put together, they sound much better than the class A amps I've previously owned.

Owen
If they sound better than the Class A amplifiers you previously owned, then those amplifiers were poorly designed, and only used the Class A tag as a selling point.
Class D is still in it's infancy as regards development.
That doesn't mean to say that some of the very expensive models don't sound very good though.
Alex

P.S.
I can't imagine too many die hard vinyl lovers racing out to buy Class D amplifiers to go with their TTs.

[xerxes]

That doesn't mean to say that some of the very expensive models don't sound very good though.

Have a look around the web, there are some very favourable reviews of Class D amps, even when comparing them to well established class A designs, often costing far more.

For example here's a thread where people are comparing some Hypex amps to a Bryston amp costing around 3 times as much as the most expensive Hypex amp self-build configuration, there are also some comments about the amps measurements from the Hypex designer Bruno Putzeys: recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/mv/msg/21965/0/0/0/

[Deleted]

There are lots of people who think that Chip Amps (LM3886 etc. ) sound great too.
It's getting bad enough as it is with radiated EMI from SMPS in audio components, crap from mandated replacements for incandescent globes, and shortly from LED drivers as they start to take over from Fluoroscent lights etc. No wonder that things like AM radio are being slowly phased out , as they would eventually become unusable.

[xerxes]

There are lots of people who think that Chip Amps (LM3886 etc. ) sound great too.

I haven't got around to putting mine in a box yet.

[mrarroyo]

Well, here I am and still like what the Musical Paradise MP-302 can do. Specially at such a low price!

As far as the PSU as you know I am using the Little Pinkie 24VDC that Mike made for me and I love the combo. Currently listening via an Audio Technica ATH-ESW9.

[rowuk]

Jan 26, 2011 6:39:43 GMT @sandyk said:

Jan 26, 2011 6:28:59 GMT xerxes said:

I don't think you can generalise and say that a particular amp class has a particular sound quality. I'm sure you could build a truly atrocious sounding amp using any of the configurations, or a very nice sounding one.

Given their compact dimensions, efficient power usage and very low heat output, class D would make a lot of sense for putting in a small box with other stuff and perhaps for portable/battery powered audio.

Regardless, I'm absolutely chuffed with the Hypex class D amps I put together, they sound much better than the class A amps I've previously owned.

Owen
If they sound better than the Class A amplifiers you previously owned, then those amplifiers were poorly designed, and only used the Class A tag as a selling point.
Class D is still in it's infancy as regards development.
That doesn't mean to say that some of the very expensive models don't sound very good though.
Alex

P.S.
I can't imagine too many die hard vinyl lovers racing out to buy Class D amplifiers to go with their TTs.

It just depends on their analog speakers.................

[Deleted]

Jan 27, 2011 21:12:17 GMT rowuk said:

Jan 26, 2011 6:39:43 GMT @sandyk said:

Owen
If they sound better than the Class A amplifiers you previously owned, then those amplifiers were poorly designed, and only used the Class A tag as a selling point.
Class D is still in it's infancy as regards development.
That doesn't mean to say that some of the very expensive models don't sound very good though.
Alex

P.S.
I can't imagine too many die hard vinyl lovers racing out to buy Class D amplifiers to go with their TTs.

It just depends on their analog speakers.................

Robin
For many vinyl lovers, their ingrained abhorrence of digital technology will prevent them from trying this class of amplifier.
Alex

[rowuk]

Jan 27, 2011 21:16:05 GMT @sandyk said:

Jan 27, 2011 21:12:17 GMT rowuk said:

It just depends on their analog speakers.................

Robin
For many vinyl lovers, their ingrained abhorrence of digital technology will prevent them from trying this class of amplifier.
Alex

It is unfortunate that the zealous get caught up in the path to nirvana, instead of the end state. If you go to bed with a smile on your face, it can't have been that bad..................

We have the same arguements with wine, cars and brands of french fries.

[mrarroyo]

Well, some of you in the UK may get an opportunity to try this unit. I have PM'd Mike to send it to him to try. Hopefully he will have one of his Little Pinkie's in 24VDC available so you can hear the difference the better PSU brings.

[mrarroyo]

For the last couple of days I have paired the Musical Paradise with a Sennheiser HD201 and this is an amazing combo for under $150 USD. Granted the regulated Little Pinkie 24 VDC improves the sound quite a bit. Mike, I think you will be pleased.